Pro-democracy group announces details of Oct 14 rally
The pro-democracy activist group, “Free People”, gathered in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang on Thursday afternoon to officially announce details of the October 14 protest.
The rally will mark the 47th anniversary of the uprising on October 14, 1973, which overthrew the unpopular regime of Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn.
Protesters are also demanding the resignation of Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government, charter amendments and reforms to the institution of monarchy.
Prominent human-rights lawyer Arnon Nampha said the rally will start from 2pm at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument, with protesters removing potted plants to symbolically reclaim democratic land.
The plants that had been placed around the monument to block protesters from organising activities will apparently be returned to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Arnon said protesters will also deliver speeches and camp overnight in a bid to pressure the government into answering their demands. He also promised a “surprise” on that day.
Organisers said they expect the turnout to be larger than the tens of thousands at the September 19-20 protest. The group is also calling for a labour strike and for university and school students to skip classes.
Arnon said he expected more than 30 groups to participate, including labour unions and university students in Bangkok, and warned this protest will continue for many days, even “infinity”.
Other protest leaders who joined Arnon on stage included Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattankul, Panupong Chadnok and Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree.
